Dr Cougar
New
Lavacore Pants Unisex vs Fourth Element Thermocline
While I was planning a three week divetrip to Costa Rica I lost some weight and didn't think my new Fourth Element Thermocline pants would fit throughout the trip. So I ordered the Lavacore pants mostly because they came in a lot more variety of sizes than the Thermoclines and they were a lot cheaper. I am a short and stout bodybuilder type and can be difficult to fit. I ordered the Small and Extra Short in the unisex. I am 5"2 and 160 and I'm in shape. These pants fit way better than the thermocline and look amazing on. The trouble with Thermocline is that they are all for much taller sizes and do not offer enough short sizes. The taller ones bunch up in the crotch and knee area with extra material, and dont look as sexy. I did use them for a few days at first and then changed to the Lavacore as I lost weight from daily diving.
Another advantage of having seperate tops and bottoms is that you can get a much more custom fit. I have very developed shoulders, arms, and chest from years of weight lifting and I need a bigger top than bottom. The Thermocline system was perfect for that. I didnt see anything like that on DRIS for Lavacore, but I think they have pieces like this on their website.
Performance wise, they seem about the same. I kept warm in both brands of pants with temperatures ranging from 77-84. I do recommend using the Thermocline vest with the long sleeve shirt as it does feel cold when you go through actual thermoclines or when you go deeper. This system really is working out great on my trip that Im currently still on (having a day off diving) for my 3 mm wetsuit needs. I will report later how it does for the deep dives that are coming up.
I really do like both brands and will mix and match them and layer with different components as needed.
While I was planning a three week divetrip to Costa Rica I lost some weight and didn't think my new Fourth Element Thermocline pants would fit throughout the trip. So I ordered the Lavacore pants mostly because they came in a lot more variety of sizes than the Thermoclines and they were a lot cheaper. I am a short and stout bodybuilder type and can be difficult to fit. I ordered the Small and Extra Short in the unisex. I am 5"2 and 160 and I'm in shape. These pants fit way better than the thermocline and look amazing on. The trouble with Thermocline is that they are all for much taller sizes and do not offer enough short sizes. The taller ones bunch up in the crotch and knee area with extra material, and dont look as sexy. I did use them for a few days at first and then changed to the Lavacore as I lost weight from daily diving.
Another advantage of having seperate tops and bottoms is that you can get a much more custom fit. I have very developed shoulders, arms, and chest from years of weight lifting and I need a bigger top than bottom. The Thermocline system was perfect for that. I didnt see anything like that on DRIS for Lavacore, but I think they have pieces like this on their website.
Performance wise, they seem about the same. I kept warm in both brands of pants with temperatures ranging from 77-84. I do recommend using the Thermocline vest with the long sleeve shirt as it does feel cold when you go through actual thermoclines or when you go deeper. This system really is working out great on my trip that Im currently still on (having a day off diving) for my 3 mm wetsuit needs. I will report later how it does for the deep dives that are coming up.
I really do like both brands and will mix and match them and layer with different components as needed.
